Committeeman elect Jason Snyder (middle) is sworn in by state Sen. John Burzichelli (right). New to the township committee, Snyder follows Shawn Layton, whose term expired on Dec. 31.
Recently elected committee members Robert Zimmerman and Jason “Jay” Snyder were sworn into three-year terms at the Mantua Township Committee reorganization meeting on Jan. 6.
Zimmerman has been a committee member since 2008, according to the township website, and has served as mayor since 2023. He was at one point Pitman’s police chief and spent 26 years as an officer.
“I’m humbled to represent our team as the community’s mayor for a third term,” Zimmerman said at the meeting. “It’s truly a distinct privilege to serve alongside each of you in this entrusted leadership role, a role that I take very seriously and a role where I will continue to take a very proactive service of passion, commitment and perseverance.”
Snyder is new to the committee. He too is a retired law-enforcement officer with 21 years of experience, 11 in leadership. He takes over for former committeeman Shawn Layton, whose term expired on Dec. 31.
“I don’t know anybody that has worked harder, or will work harder now, on the township committee,” Zimmerman noted of Snyder. “He’s gonna serve residents with honesty, integrity and trusted leadership.”
“I’d like to thank the residents of Mantua for electing me to serve this community,” Snyder said. “I’m incredibly humbled and honored to be part of this committee and work with this amazing group. Thank you to all of the elected officials for taking the time out of their busy schedules to be here and show their continued support for Mantua Township.”
State Sen. John Burzichelli swore in Snyder at the meeting, where Gloucester County Commissioner Frank DiMarco and Assemblywoman Heather Simmons were on hand. Committeeman John Legge is now deputy mayor, taking the place of Pete Scirrotto, who retired at the end of November.
Toward the end of the meeting, Zimmerman gave a state of address speech about changes coming to Mantua in the new year. Among them is the March opening of the Edelman Fossil Park and Museum, expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people each year.
“As we end the Pete Scirrotto and Shawn Layton era,” Zimmerman said as he congratulated Steen, Snyder and Legge, “we embark on a new chapter of community leadership.”
The next township committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m.
